Did the performance succeed in conveying the intended message of the playwright?

This assignment should be written as an essay, not in outline form. The outline form below only acts as a
point of reference for you to begin your critique. Use it as a guideline to assist you in setting up the
paper. Remember, you do not need to cover everything in your critiques. You pick and choose,
highlighting areas you feel are noteworthy or severely lacking in the production.
I. Introduction (should include, but not limited to the following)
A. Title of the play
B. Playwright
C. Date of the play (indicate the time period in which the play was written)
D. Date of your attendance or viewing
E. Location of the theatre and the theatre company’s name
II. Description (should include, but not limited to the following)
A. What was the play about? (do not retell the story – give a brief synopsis)
B. Can the theme of the play be described in a sentence?
C. What was the fundamental conflict in the play?
III. Interpretation (should include, but not limited to the following)
A. Give your interpretation of the meaning of the play (your opinion)
B. Did the performance create a convincing world?
IV. Technical Analysis (should include, but not limited to the following)
A. Briefly describe the theatre in which the play was performed (difficult to do when
viewing a video performance, but it depends on camera angles)
B. Describe the set design
1. Was the scenery effective?
2. Did the scenery help to create the “world of the play?”
3. Describe the props and furniture
C. Describe the costumes used in the play
1. Were they authentic or representative?
2. Were they appropriate for the production?
D. Describe the lighting and any special effects
E. Describe the sound and acoustic quality
1. Did music (if used) play an important part in the play?
2. Were the actors audible?
F. Describe the make-up used in the production
1. Was there any unusual make-up or prosthetics used?
2. Were there hairpieces or wigs used?
V. Performance Analysis (should include, but not limited to the following)
A. Did the performance succeed in conveying the intended message of the playwright?
B. Were the performers convincing in their roles?
C. Were some performers more effective than others?
VI. Summarization (should include, but not limited to the following)
A. Personal Summary – Did you enjoy the play?
B. Would you view another play by the particular playwright?
C. Concluding statement.

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